Hey guys I have a 98 ranger xlt with the 3.0 and I have 70,000 miles on it and I was wondering if I should give it a tune up! I had it in recently to my local Ford dealer and they sad that it came with platnium plugs and I shouldn't need a tune up until 100,000 miles! But I have never owned a vehicle that I didn't change plugs every 50,000! What do you guys think it some times seems like it is a little sluggish on take off and some times it takes a few more revalutions to start! Also what else should I change or look at for 70,000 miles

 

I would be inclined to get plugs wires cap and rotor. Additionally the fuel filter should be changed, and the PCV valve. Regular use of fuel additive that cleans and lubricates would be good too. I use Schaeffer's Neutra Fuel Conditioner, but Redline SI-1 may work for you too (Pep Boys has it). Do the whole bottle of Redline a couple times, then the maintenance dose. Whether that will make it start quicker, I don't know, but 70,000 miles is a long time. My wife's 3.0 Aerostar ('92) has platinum plugs and says to change every 50,000 miles. I wonder where they got the 100,000 mile thing from? Did they really improve things that much that the plugs make it twice as far?

 

What brand of spark plugs and wires are the best for the ranger 3.0 and where is the fuel filter on a 98 ranger!! Thanks Guys

 

I like to stick with Motorcraft plugs and wires. Not sure about the fuel filter location, but likely along the frame rail somewhere. Wifes 3.0 Aerostar ('92) has it inside left frame rail just aft of the front left tire IIRC.

 

i put autoligbht double platnum in mine... id reccoemend them... and yes i would change plugs...

u can tell if u put your hand on the rear quarter panel and can feel a very slight vibration, thats how you tell if it needs a tune up

Matt

 

Has anyone used bosh platnuim +2 or +4 plugs I bought the +2 bosh! I pulled the old plugs and they are all worn evenly with some white residue what would white residue indicate? I already notice the truck running smoother it was a little tuff getting them out with headers in the way but I got-r-done!

 

Bosch plugs are hit or miss in Fords, and that's especially true with the EDIS "waste spark" ignition system, which your '98 has. Hopefully they will work out for you. Motorcraft plugs come highly recommended, should you have any problems withthe Bosch plugs.

You should consider changing the plug wires, too.

The fuel filter on the '98 is underneath the truck, mounted on the driver's side frame rail. You may need a special "disconnect" tool to help you with the fittings:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=204571

 

I installed the bosch plugs last night what a difference I felt more power right a way! I still am having a hard time finding some plug wires neither of my auto parts stores had anything other than stock! I would like to upgrade to something a little better any ideas where to shop for some performance wires that won't break the bank!!

 

Napa carries Belden wires, and CarQuest has Prestolite wires, which are very good quality wires at a fair price.

 

i used bosch in my ranger and they fouled after about a week, causeing a huge miss...

Matt

 

Well so far so good I got 20 mpg on my last tank and it is running smooth so I will let you know if I have any problems!!

 

What other things should I look at for 70,000 miles I got plugs,wires ,and fuel filter replaced. Or anything that might help mpg

 

i am hearing rumers that the pvc valve does, also try air filter and checking your tire pressure, tail gate down, slow accels... run some injector cleaner through it...

i wanna see you breat 25!!!! as i cannot get above 17

Matt

 

I doubt I will ever get 25 mpg unless I am going down hill with a tale wind in nuetral!!! HA HA!

 

Bosch plugs caused a mis with my 1999 3.0L FFV....switching back to Motorcraft fixed the problem....